Man Utd vs Liverpool postponed after protestors storm Old Trafford
After protesting Manchester United fans entered Old Trafford, kick-off between the Red Devils and Liverpool has been postponed.
The game between Manchester United and Liverpool has been postponed after anti-Glazer protests stopped the game kicking-off. The two sides named starting XIs as planned, but in the end the protest stopped the game going ahead today, Sunday 2 May. Kick-off was planned for 11:30am ET, 16:30 local time.
United supporters entered the Old Trafford pitch to protest against club owners, the Glazer family, after earlier gathering outside the team's hotel ahead of Sunday's home game with Liverpool.
Manchester United released the following statement:
Following discussion between the Police, The Premier League, Trafford Council and the clubs, our match against Liverpool has been postponed due to safety and security considerations around the protest today. Discussions will now take place with the Premier League on a revised date for the fixture.
Our fans are passionate about Manchester United, and we completely acknowledge the right to free expression and peaceful protest. However, we regret the disruption to the team and actions which put other fans, staff, and the police in danger. We thank the police for their support and will assist them in any subsequent investigations.
ESL reignites protests at Old Trafford
United's involvement in the breakaway European Super League, which swiftly collapsed, has reignited lingering resentment of the ownership at Old Trafford.
The Glazers, who acquired the club through a leveraged buyout in 2005, have long been unpopular but have become the subject of increased criticism in recent weeks.
Fans surrounded The Lowry Hotel, where United stay before home matches, on Sunday, letting off red smoke bombs and leading anti-Glazer chants.
The demonstration did not end there, however, with some supporters gaining access to the stadium and then the pitch, with flares hurled towards the directors' box and press area – spectators are not currently allowed at Premier League stadiums due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Man United-Liverpool delayed
The Premier League has now confirmed that the match has been postponed. Had the game gone ahead today, United would have been out to avoid suffering the defeat that will hand neighbours Manchester City the title.
The date for the rescheduled fixture has not yet been announced at the time of publication.